Women constitute almost half of the segment of society. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence deprive women and girls of their fundamental ability to live with dignity. Governments, institutions, laws, and policies contribute to the systematic devaluation of the lives and safety of women and girls by failing to respond to gender-based violence and discriminating against those subject to such violence.Despite many laws, voilence against women is on all high domains.At one side, we often hear that women are becoming the better part of society , are contributing equal with to economy, the other side is much worse.
Domestic Violence can be issued in many different ways. These include physical aggression, covert abuse, mental and emotional abuse, intimidation, sexual abuse, and economic deprivation (Damn Violence 2).Women and girls experience domestic violence and sexual assault at alarming rates. Domestic Violence is destroying families, devastating relationships, and dismantling communities in nations all over the world.Domestic Violence, or intimate-partner abuse, causes pain and suffering for individuals everywhere in today’s society.
VISHAKHA & OTHERS
Vs.
STATE OF RAJASTHAN & OTHERS
(AIR 1997 SUPREME COURT 3011)
Violence continues not only at domstic places. But it is prevelant at work as well.It has been a decade of the famous Vishakha judgement.The Supreme Court took assistance from the then solicitor general of India to formulate certain guidelines and norms to help working women against sexual harassment.
Violence of any kind has a detrimental impact on the economy of a country through increased disability, medical costs, and loss of labour hours; however, because women bear the brunt of domestic violence, they disproportionately bear the health and psychological burdens as well. Victims of domestic violence are abused inside what should be the most secure environment—their own homes—and usually by the persons they trust most.The Supreme Court laid down that, “each incidence of sexual harassment of women at workplace results in violation of the fundamental rights gender equality and the right to life and liberty.
The Indian Penal Code penalizes all forms of physical violence against individuals, be it sexual in nature or otherwise. Sexual violence directed against women is governed by Section 376 of the IPC on rape and Section 354 on outraging the modesty of women.
Violence against women must be tackled on all fronts. Ending violence against women would not only help the women , but will help bringing up the economy as whole